Chiranjeevi to launch political party in August

Hyderabad, May 31 (IANS) The political scene in Andhra Pradesh is set to change dramatically with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi planning to launch his political party in August, a close aide said here Saturday. The actor’s brother-in-law and filmmaker Allu Arvind told newsmen here that Chiranjeevi is likely to launch his party Aug 22, his birthday.

Arvind made the statement during a rally by Chiranjeevi National Trade Union Congress (CNTUC), a trade union in the actor’s name. The rally was organised to appeal to the actor to join politics.

When the rally reached Geeta Arts office in up market Jubilee Hills, Allu Arvind came out to make the statement.

“Responding to appeals from different sections of the community, I am sure, he will definitely enter politics. He has taken a firm and clear decision and he will personally make an announcement,” he said.

This is the clearest ever statement from Arvind, a close confidante of Chiranjeevi, since speculations on the actor’s plunge into politics began a few months ago.

“Some people are asking why he is taking such a long time. Politics is too big an issue and he is taking a reasonable time. He doesn’t take hasty decisions. He thinks and takes a correct decision,” said Arvind.

“We thank you. It is not just the trade union but the students, women, IT professional, lawyers and doctors all want him to come to politics,” he said.

Sources close to the actor said the party would be called Labour Party and its symbol would be a train.

“We are at a railway platform. We are waiting for a train that will take us to the right destination,” Arvind had said in January.

“When will your train arrive,” a scribe had asked Chiranjeevi Thursday after he cast his vote in the by-elections. “Allu Arvind is taking care of the train issue. Address your queries to him,” the actor had replied.

It was in November last year that one of his close aides claimed that he had decided to launch a party. The speculations led to his fans holding meetings in different parts of the state to urge him to make an early announcement.

Chiranjeevi, however, came out with a statement a few days later appealing to his fans to remain patient till he made an announcement. Continuing the suspense, the actor had said in January that he needed more time to take a decision.

People are drawing a parallel with thespian N.T. Rama Rao’s political entry in 1982. He had come to power within nine months of launching Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Chiru, as Chiranjeevi is popularly known, has dominated the Telugu film industry for over two decades. One of the highest paid actors in India, Chiru has massive fan following across the state.